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Lord Ermenwyr
Wizards: Magical Tales From the Masters of Modern Fantasy
Never-before-published stories by Neil Gaiman, Eoin Colfer, Garth Nix, and a magical lineup of writers.
Throughout the ages, the wizard has claimed a spot in human culture-from the shadowy spiritual leaders of early man to precocious characters in blockbuster films. Gone are the cartoon images of wizened gray-haired men in pointy caps creating magic with a wave of their wands. Today's wizards are more subtle in their powers, more discerning in their ways, and-in the hands of modern fantasists-more likely than ever to capture readers' imaginations.
In Neil Gaiman's "The Witch's Headstone," a piece taken from his much-anticipated novel in progress, an eight-year-old boy learns the power of kindness from a long-dead sorceress. Only one woman possesses two kinds of magic-enough to unite two kingdoms-in Garth Nix's "Holly and Iron." Patricia A. McKillip's "Naming Day" gives a sorcery student a lesson in breaking the rules. And a famished dove spins a tale worthy of a meal, but perhaps not the truth, in "A Fowl Tale" by Eoin Colfer.
Throughout the ages, the wizard has claimed a spot in human culture-from the shadowy spiritual leaders of early man to precocious characters in blockbuster films. Gone are the cartoon images of wizened gray-haired men in pointy caps creating magic with a wave of their wands. Today's wizards are more subtle in their powers, more discerning in their ways, and-in the hands of modern fantasists-more likely than ever to capture readers' imaginations.
In Neil Gaiman's "The Witch's Headstone," a piece taken from his much-anticipated novel in progress, an eight-year-old boy learns the power of kindness from a long-dead sorceress. Only one woman possesses two kinds of magic-enough to unite two kingdoms-in Garth Nix's "Holly and Iron." Patricia A. McKillip's "Naming Day" gives a sorcery student a lesson in breaking the rules. And a famished dove spins a tale worthy of a meal, but perhaps not the truth, in "A Fowl Tale" by Eoin Colfer.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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October 29, 2021
The anthology from the masters of modern fantasy "Black Magic" is dedicated to wizards and magic. In the original, it is called Wizards. Eighteen dissimilar short stories are united, perhaps, only by the fact that they are all written by masters. Most of the names awarded with prestigious prizes in the field of science fiction and fantasy, and well-known in the English-speaking world, are unfamiliar to the Russian reader. The collection makes it possible to form your own idea of their work.
Дерево говорит с тобой, если умеешь слушать
-А кто у нас муж?
- Волшебник.
- Предупреждать надо.
Антология от мэтров современного фэнтези "Черная магия" посвящена волшебникам и волшебству. В оригинале она так и называется Wizards. Восемнадцать непохожих новелл объединяет, пожалуй, только то, что все они написаны мастерами. Большинство имен, отмеченных престижными премиями в области фантастики и фэнтези, и хорошо известных в англоязычном мире, незнакомо русскому читателю. Сборник дает возможность составить собственное представление об их творчестве.
Нил Гейман в представлении не нуждается. Все, кто есть кто-то знают его и любят. "Надгробие для ведьмы" (2007) год спустя, когда мир прочтет "Историю с кладбищем", окажется фрагментом романа о кладбищенском Маугли - живом мальчике, живущем на кладбище и взятом под опеку его мертвыми, но заботливыми и нежными обитателями. Это читерство, но дозволенное, изящно исполненное и по-настоящему интересное.
Австралийский писатель Гарт Никс известен как автор пишущий янг-эдалт фэнтези меча и магии, его "Королевство", "Седьмая башня", "Ключи от королевства" любимы поклонниками жанра. Очаровательная новелла "Падуб и железо" несколько неожиданно в феминистском ключе интерпретирует легенду о мече в камне, попутно обыгрывая большинство тем в фокусе внимания героического фэнтези: столкновение природной и техногенной магии, смена правящих династий, местные и пришлые, центробежные и центростремительные тенденции в политической жизни страны. И все это умещается в компактном рассказе.
Мэри Розенблюм была биологом и автором детективов, помимо того, что писала мистические романы. А еще известным сыроваром и одной из десяти женщин-пилотов штата Орегон, получивших лицензию на управление одномоторным самолетом, на котором, к несчастью, и разбилась. С "Цветным видением" обыгрывает тему синестезии, которая серьезно интересовала ее , и предстает в ипостасях биолога и детективщика. Девочка-полукровка. наделенная способностью видеть звуки, помогает вместе с другом спастись мальчику из перворожденных от козней злого мага. который почти уже погубил его.
Калифорнийка Кейдж Бейкер много лет проработала в театре и преподавала соотечественникам елизаветинский английский (язык Шекспира) как второй язык. Несколько раз номинировалась на Хьюго и Мировую премию фэнтези, но подлинная популярность пришла к ней лишь в последний год жизни, когда писательница мучительно умирала от рака. "Несравненный Рубин" история одновременно театрально-драматичная и рассказанная с голливудским размахом. О чете волшебников, о материнско-дочерних и братско-сестринских отношениях, о соперничестве-борьбе-любви. И, в общем, это хорошо.
Ирландец Йон Колфер, много лет проработавший школьным учителем начальных классов преде. чем окончательно посвятить себя писательству, более всего известен как автор цикла об Артемиусе Фауле (а также, как тот, кому доверено было написать шестую часть " Автостопом по Галактике"). Забавный рассказ "Птичья история" обыгрывает бродячий сюжет о заколдованных принцах и заклятьях магов в несколько авантюрном юмористическом ключе.
Джейн Йолен писательница чрезвычайно плодовитая и к своим восьмидесяти двум годам в превосходной творческой форме - наступление 2021 года она отметила выходом своего четырехсотого романа. Она сплавляет библейски е сюжеты с современностью, пишет об иудаизме и холокосте для молодой читательской аудитории. И, знаете, когда читаешь ее рассказ о девочке-подростке, адресованный тинейджерам, полное ощущение, что пишет очень молодая женщина, да такая же девчонка, как та, которая рассказывает эту историю. В этом подлинная магия. Хотя "Скользя в сторону вечности" о юной художнице, которая увидела и должна была запечатлеть Илию, но прежде была перенесена им на время в лагерь смерти времен Второй Мировой - этот рассказ не то, чтобы шедевр.
Тэд Уильямс автор многих романных серий и комиксов об Аквамэне, общий тираж его произведений составляет семнадцать миллионов экземпляров (что немало, согласитесь) и в "Руках чужака" рука мастера чувствуется несомненно (простите за невольный каламбур). Когда двое бродяг появились в окрестностях городка, кто бы мог подумать, что жизнь его жителей радикальным образом изменится к лучшему? И кто бы мог подумать, что тот высокий из них, который не в себе, но прикосновение его рук дарует исполнение заветных желаний - кто бы мог подумать, что он жестокий маг, приводивший в трепет державы?
Патрицию Маккилип называют одним из самых вы дающихся стилистов жанра фэнтези, а в 2008 году она была награждена Мировой премией фэнтези за совокупность заслуг. "День именования" чудесный рассказ о девочке, которая больше всего на свете хочет вырваться из убожества и удручающей обыкновенности той жизни, какой живет ее семья. Сама она учится в Школе Волшебства и как раз сегодня, в День именования, должна получить сакральное имя, которое станет ее пропуском в дивный мир магии. Что ж, вещи часто оказываются не такими, какими кажутся.
Элизабет Хэнд, чьи произведения отмечены многими престижными наградами и, к сожалению, совсем неизвестны у нас, с великолепной "Женой Зимы". Антрополог и эколог Хэнд рассказывает историю, действие которой разворачивается в воспетом Стивеном Кингом лесном штате Мэн, и это такой, очень кинговский по ощущению магический реализм. Простая и жуткая история о восстановленной экологической справедливости и о не совсем людях, живущих бок о бок с обычными людьми.
Энди Дункан, отмеченный Небьюлой 2012 и 2018 годов написал странную, немного сюрреалистическую и очень феминистскую сказку "Диорама инфернальных регионов или девятый вопрос дьявола" о девчонке. которая сбежала от одной магии лишь затем. чтобы с размаху вляпаться в другую, которая потягалась с самим дьяволом и победила его, освободив его зятя, и спела совершенно дурацкую песенку:
Снег белее молока,
Девяносто девять и девяносто,
Пух бывает шелка мягче,
А я - прекрасная ткачиха.
Питер Бигль. Признаюсь, взяла этот сборник из-за него, про сто периодически испытываю потребность в его книгах для восстановления душевного равновесия. А оказалось, что "Танец в Пустошах" совсем короткая история и к тому же, сколько помню, это одна из вставных новелл "Песни Трактирщика", которую мне довелось читать в божественном переводе Сергея Ильина. Не скажу худого слова об Оксане Степашкиной. переводившей весь сборник, но я отравлена Ильиным и невольно сравниваю, а сравнение с эталоном нелегко выдержать. И все-таки история дружбы и любви, побеждающих магию, прекрасна.
Нэнси Кресс очень титулованный автор и авторитет ее в мире фантастики-фэнтези почти непререкаем, я читала один из самых знаменитых ее романов "Испанские нищие" и откровенно не впечатлилась. "Человек камня" оставил примерно тоже ощущение. Хорошо, мастерски, есть идея и воплощение достойное, но эмоциональной привязки, которая одна обеспечивает радость от чтения, история стихийного мага-подростка, которому придется заниматься престидижитацией, когда дар управления камнем покинет его - эмоциональной привязки не случилось.
Джеффри Форд еще один американский писатель, о котором я практически ничего не знала до сих пор, хотя считала, что неплохо ориентируюсь в жанре, его авторах и произведениях. Форд тяготеет к хоррору, многие его вещи относятся к ужасам , "Заклинание Мантикоры", написанное от лица ученика чародея, не исключение. Волшебное существо начинает нападать на королевство, от ядовитого шипа на кончике его хвоста нет спасения, и единственный способ уничтожить - отрубив прекрасную человеческую голову со львиного тела, закопать в землю как можно глубже (не слушая того, что эта голова станет тебе говорить. Но что, если кто-то не захочет спасения от забирающего жизнь, но дарующего прошлое яда?
Британка Танит Ли очень известна - попробуй-ка опубликовать девяносто романов и три сотни рассказов, и избежать известности. И я совершенно точно что-то у нее читала, но не могу теперь вспомнить, что именно. Рассказ "Зиндер" грустная вариация на тему "красотка днем, в ночи урод, и так за годом год", с точностью до наоборот. Ангелоподобный исправитель-всего-испорченного Зиндер, днем превращается в уродца Квакера, получающего лишь пинки, тычки и подзатыльники. Светлая, но невероятно печальная история.
Терри Биссон с историей мальчика Билли, которого все называли девчонкой за то, что он любил играть в куклы, а он, тем временем спас мир, вступив в поединок с дьяволом, явившимся в гараж родительского дома, дабы уничтожить этот самый мир, она чудесная, на самом деле. Биссон, известный как автор коротких емких рассказов, не случайно награжден за них Хьюго и Небьюлой. "Билли и волшебник" с этой дурацкой куклой, которую нужно дергать за руку, чтобы получи ть ответ на вопрос, замечательно хорош.
Терри Доулинг, которого называли Мелвиллом фэнтези, известен своей плотной аллюзивной прозой, я не читала его прежде. "Волшебцы" - рассказ о мальчике, отобраннм из тысяч австралийских детей для обучения в Академии Волшебства Дессиде, чтобы в решающий для себя день узнать, что с даром предстоит расстаться. Спокойно и без надрыва жертвенная история, проникнутая христианским духом безличной любви к ближнему.
Орсон Скотт Кард - это такой ударный финал сборника. "Игру Эндера" знают или хотя бы слышали о ней все. "Отец камней" о мальчике по имени Ручеек, ставшем объектом ненависти со стороны отца и травли братьев и сестер, который однажды не выдержал и ушел из дома в огромный пугающий и незнакомый мир, сделавшись учеником мага. И мир этот оказался к нему куда добрее, чем оставленный родительский дом.
Дерево говорит с тобой, если умеешь слушать
-А кто у нас муж?
- Волшебник.
- Предупреждать надо.
Антология от мэтров современного фэнтези "Черная магия" посвящена волшебникам и волшебству. В оригинале она так и называется Wizards. Восемнадцать непохожих новелл объединяет, пожалуй, только то, что все они написаны мастерами. Большинство имен, отмеченных престижными премиями в области фантастики и фэнтези, и хорошо известных в англоязычном мире, незнакомо русскому читателю. Сборник дает возможность составить собственное представление об их творчестве.
Нил Гейман в представлении не нуждается. Все, кто есть кто-то знают его и любят. "Надгробие для ведьмы" (2007) год спустя, когда мир прочтет "Историю с кладбищем", окажется фрагментом романа о кладбищенском Маугли - живом мальчике, живущем на кладбище и взятом под опеку его мертвыми, но заботливыми и нежными обитателями. Это читерство, но дозволенное, изящно исполненное и по-настоящему интересное.
Австралийский писатель Гарт Никс известен как автор пишущий янг-эдалт фэнтези меча и магии, его "Королевство", "Седьмая башня", "Ключи от королевства" любимы поклонниками жанра. Очаровательная новелла "Падуб и железо" несколько неожиданно в феминистском ключе интерпретирует легенду о мече в камне, попутно обыгрывая большинство тем в фокусе внимания героического фэнтези: столкновение природной и техногенной магии, смена правящих династий, местные и пришлые, центробежные и центростремительные тенденции в политической жизни страны. И все это умещается в компактном рассказе.
Мэри Розенблюм была биологом и автором детективов, помимо того, что писала мистические романы. А еще известным сыроваром и одной из десяти женщин-пилотов штата Орегон, получивших лицензию на управление одномоторным самолетом, на котором, к несчастью, и разбилась. С "Цветным видением" обыгрывает тему синестезии, которая серьезно интересовала ее , и предстает в ипостасях биолога и детективщика. Девочка-полукровка. наделенная способностью видеть звуки, помогает вместе с другом спастись мальчику из перворожденных от козней злого мага. который почти уже погубил его.
Калифорнийка Кейдж Бейкер много лет проработала в театре и преподавала соотечественникам елизаветинский английский (язык Шекспира) как второй язык. Несколько раз номинировалась на Хьюго и Мировую премию фэнтези, но подлинная популярность пришла к ней лишь в последний год жизни, когда писательница мучительно умирала от рака. "Несравненный Рубин" история одновременно театрально-драматичная и рассказанная с голливудским размахом. О чете волшебников, о материнско-дочерних и братско-сестринских отношениях, о соперничестве-борьбе-любви. И, в общем, это хорошо.
Ирландец Йон Колфер, много лет проработавший школьным учителем начальных классов преде. чем окончательно посвятить себя писательству, более всего известен как автор цикла об Артемиусе Фауле (а также, как тот, кому доверено было написать шестую часть " Автостопом по Галактике"). Забавный рассказ "Птичья история" обыгрывает бродячий сюжет о заколдованных принцах и заклятьях магов в несколько авантюрном юмористическом ключе.
Джейн Йолен писательница чрезвычайно плодовитая и к своим восьмидесяти двум годам в превосходной творческой форме - наступление 2021 года она отметила выходом своего четырехсотого романа. Она сплавляет библейски е сюжеты с современностью, пишет об иудаизме и холокосте для молодой читательской аудитории. И, знаете, когда читаешь ее рассказ о девочке-подростке, адресованный тинейджерам, полное ощущение, что пишет очень молодая женщина, да такая же девчонка, как та, которая рассказывает эту историю. В этом подлинная магия. Хотя "Скользя в сторону вечности" о юной художнице, которая увидела и должна была запечатлеть Илию, но прежде была перенесена им на время в лагерь смерти времен Второй Мировой - этот рассказ не то, чтобы шедевр.
Тэд Уильямс автор многих романных серий и комиксов об Аквамэне, общий тираж его произведений составляет семнадцать миллионов экземпляров (что немало, согласитесь) и в "Руках чужака" рука мастера чувствуется несомненно (простите за невольный каламбур). Когда двое бродяг появились в окрестностях городка, кто бы мог подумать, что жизнь его жителей радикальным образом изменится к лучшему? И кто бы мог подумать, что тот высокий из них, который не в себе, но прикосновение его рук дарует исполнение заветных желаний - кто бы мог подумать, что он жестокий маг, приводивший в трепет державы?
Патрицию Маккилип называют одним из самых вы дающихся стилистов жанра фэнтези, а в 2008 году она была награждена Мировой премией фэнтези за совокупность заслуг. "День именования" чудесный рассказ о девочке, которая больше всего на свете хочет вырваться из убожества и удручающей обыкновенности той жизни, какой живет ее семья. Сама она учится в Школе Волшебства и как раз сегодня, в День именования, должна получить сакральное имя, которое станет ее пропуском в дивный мир магии. Что ж, вещи часто оказываются не такими, какими кажутся.
Элизабет Хэнд, чьи произведения отмечены многими престижными наградами и, к сожалению, совсем неизвестны у нас, с великолепной "Женой Зимы". Антрополог и эколог Хэнд рассказывает историю, действие которой разворачивается в воспетом Стивеном Кингом лесном штате Мэн, и это такой, очень кинговский по ощущению магический реализм. Простая и жуткая история о восстановленной экологической справедливости и о не совсем людях, живущих бок о бок с обычными людьми.
Энди Дункан, отмеченный Небьюлой 2012 и 2018 годов написал странную, немного сюрреалистическую и очень феминистскую сказку "Диорама инфернальных регионов или девятый вопрос дьявола" о девчонке. которая сбежала от одной магии лишь затем. чтобы с размаху вляпаться в другую, которая потягалась с самим дьяволом и победила его, освободив его зятя, и спела совершенно дурацкую песенку:
Снег белее молока,
Девяносто девять и девяносто,
Пух бывает шелка мягче,
А я - прекрасная ткачиха.
Питер Бигль. Признаюсь, взяла этот сборник из-за него, про сто периодически испытываю потребность в его книгах для восстановления душевного равновесия. А оказалось, что "Танец в Пустошах" совсем короткая история и к тому же, сколько помню, это одна из вставных новелл "Песни Трактирщика", которую мне довелось читать в божественном переводе Сергея Ильина. Не скажу худого слова об Оксане Степашкиной. переводившей весь сборник, но я отравлена Ильиным и невольно сравниваю, а сравнение с эталоном нелегко выдержать. И все-таки история дружбы и любви, побеждающих магию, прекрасна.
Нэнси Кресс очень титулованный автор и авторитет ее в мире фантастики-фэнтези почти непререкаем, я читала один из самых знаменитых ее романов "Испанские нищие" и откровенно не впечатлилась. "Человек камня" оставил примерно тоже ощущение. Хорошо, мастерски, есть идея и воплощение достойное, но эмоциональной привязки, которая одна обеспечивает радость от чтения, история стихийного мага-подростка, которому придется заниматься престидижитацией, когда дар управления камнем покинет его - эмоциональной привязки не случилось.
Джеффри Форд еще один американский писатель, о котором я практически ничего не знала до сих пор, хотя считала, что неплохо ориентируюсь в жанре, его авторах и произведениях. Форд тяготеет к хоррору, многие его вещи относятся к ужасам , "Заклинание Мантикоры", написанное от лица ученика чародея, не исключение. Волшебное существо начинает нападать на королевство, от ядовитого шипа на кончике его хвоста нет спасения, и единственный способ уничтожить - отрубив прекрасную человеческую голову со львиного тела, закопать в землю как можно глубже (не слушая того, что эта голова станет тебе говорить. Но что, если кто-то не захочет спасения от забирающего жизнь, но дарующего прошлое яда?
Британка Танит Ли очень известна - попробуй-ка опубликовать девяносто романов и три сотни рассказов, и избежать известности. И я совершенно точно что-то у нее читала, но не могу теперь вспомнить, что именно. Рассказ "Зиндер" грустная вариация на тему "красотка днем, в ночи урод, и так за годом год", с точностью до наоборот. Ангелоподобный исправитель-всего-испорченного Зиндер, днем превращается в уродца Квакера, получающего лишь пинки, тычки и подзатыльники. Светлая, но невероятно печальная история.
Терри Биссон с историей мальчика Билли, которого все называли девчонкой за то, что он любил играть в куклы, а он, тем временем спас мир, вступив в поединок с дьяволом, явившимся в гараж родительского дома, дабы уничтожить этот самый мир, она чудесная, на самом деле. Биссон, известный как автор коротких емких рассказов, не случайно награжден за них Хьюго и Небьюлой. "Билли и волшебник" с этой дурацкой куклой, которую нужно дергать за руку, чтобы получи ть ответ на вопрос, замечательно хорош.
Терри Доулинг, которого называли Мелвиллом фэнтези, известен своей плотной аллюзивной прозой, я не читала его прежде. "Волшебцы" - рассказ о мальчике, отобраннм из тысяч австралийских детей для обучения в Академии Волшебства Дессиде, чтобы в решающий для себя день узнать, что с даром предстоит расстаться. Спокойно и без надрыва жертвенная история, проникнутая христианским духом безличной любви к ближнему.
Орсон Скотт Кард - это такой ударный финал сборника. "Игру Эндера" знают или хотя бы слышали о ней все. "Отец камней" о мальчике по имени Ручеек, ставшем объектом ненависти со стороны отца и травли братьев и сестер, который однажды не выдержал и ушел из дома в огромный пугающий и незнакомый мир, сделавшись учеником мага. И мир этот оказался к нему куда добрее, чем оставленный родительский дом.
April 1, 2013
While reading this book, I just came across this article:
It's pretty unusual that an anthology ever gets more than 3 stars from me - after all, tastes differ, and in any random selection, there's bound to be a few stories I think are great, and a few that don't do much for me. However, this anthology was, really, really good. I'd say 4.5 stars.
Contents:
Neil Gaiman - “The Witch’s Headstone�. (2008 Locus Award winner for best Novelette.) The story later turned out to be a chapter in 'The Graveyard Book,' so I'd already read it. But it was worth reading again.
Garth Nix - “Holly and Iron�. A female Robin Hood in an alternate-history "Ingland" is shaken when her poor tactics lead to her sister's death. Will she be able to find a way to unite a divided country?
Mary Rosenblum - “Color Vision.� I've read Rosenblum's first two novels (because they were part of the Del Rey Discovery series, which featured a bunch of great new authors) - but apparently she's published 8 books since then! I might have to try some catching up! This story is a teen sci-fi piece, about how a young girl's synaesthesia turns out to be a lifesaver, when the new school principal turns out to be a villain from another world.
Kage Baker - “The Ruby Incomparable.� Kage Baker is truly missed. I only have a few more books by her to read, and I've sort of been saving them, since I know no more are coming... Here, she tells the tale of a fairy-tale marriage between Pure good and Pure evil. The story is available for free online:
Eoin Colfer’s - “The Fowl’s Tale.� I'm not a huge Colfer fan (didn't like Artemis Fowl), but this story's only 5 pages long, so it doesn't grate. Amusing tale of a greedy parrot who shows up at court with a tale to tell...
Jane Yolen - “Slipping Sideways Through Eternity.� A modern Jewish girl meets the Prophet Elijah, who takes her on a trip through time, helps her understand her heritage, and inspires her for the future.
Tad Williams - “The Stranger’s Hands.� A village takes in two wanderers - a man who seems to have lost his wits in an injury, and his caretaker. Soon, it is discovered that some who touch the disabled man's hands have their heart's desire magically granted. Soon, the needy flock to the town in hopes of having their wishes granted. But with greater exposure comes the revelation that the village's miracle man is (or was) actually one of the most powerful, dangerous, and evil wizards around. Is there some trick here? A well-crafted and thought-provoking tale.
Patricia A. McKillip - “Naming Day.� A young woman eagerly anticipates her 'naming day,' when her magical academy conducts a ceremony in which the students choose their magical name. But her mother has a lesson about values to teach her daughter.
Elizabeth Hand - “Winter’s Wife�. Hand is really good at short stories, and this in no exception. This was probably my favorite in the book... about a 'mountain man' from Maine, who marries a bride from Iceland that he met on the Internet. When a developer starts destroying ancient trees, something must be done...
Andy Duncan - “A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil’s Ninth Question.� I'd read this Southern Gothic piece before (in Fantasy: The Best of the Year, 2008) but again, it was worth re-reading. Basically, a girl runs away from working in a sideshow, ends up living in a witch's house full of ghosts, and meets the devil... but there's more to it than that.
Peter S. Beagle - “Barrens Dance.� The reason I got this book - I was looking for more from Peter Beagle. This story is redolent of ancient myth, as it tells the story of what a woman must do to escape an evil wizard's unwanted advances.
Nancy Kress - “Stone Man.� Under stress, a boy discovers he has heretofore-unknown magical powers. it loses him a friend, but gains him a new group of friends and a mission in life... Not Kress' best, but not bad.
Jeffrey Ford - “The Manticore Spell.� A monster might be dangerous - but also sublime: endangered and strangely beautiful. Should every monster be killed?
Tanith Lee - “Zinder.� By day, Zinder is a deformed dwarf who lives in an impoverished village, tormented by ignorant bullies. But by night he is a powerful wizard, who travels the world, dispensing advice and magical boons amid glittering courts, and doing good deeds for the needy. Kind of a retelling of the Biblical tale that Jesus may be disguised as any lowly beggar... written with Lee's own poetic language and lovely imagery.
Terry Bisson - “Billy and the Wizard.� Short, surreal tale of a boy who finds a wizard in his garage. Not my favorite, but I can see why others would like it.
Terry Dowling - “The Magikkers.� If someone told you you had only enough magic for one true spell - and then asked you to give away that magic, would you?
Gene Wolfe - “The Magic Animal.� Sometimes I love Gene Wolfe, and at other times I feel that his stories go off track due to their ambition. This Arthurian tale verges toward the latter, but there are still some lovely aspects to it.
Orson Scott Card - “Stonefather.� This novella is apparently in the world of Card's 'Mithermages' series (2 books published so far; haven't read either yet.) However, I probably will - this is a good (if a bit typical) high fantasy story, with an original take on earth/water magic and an interesting setup.
It's pretty unusual that an anthology ever gets more than 3 stars from me - after all, tastes differ, and in any random selection, there's bound to be a few stories I think are great, and a few that don't do much for me. However, this anthology was, really, really good. I'd say 4.5 stars.
Contents:
Neil Gaiman - “The Witch’s Headstone�. (2008 Locus Award winner for best Novelette.) The story later turned out to be a chapter in 'The Graveyard Book,' so I'd already read it. But it was worth reading again.
Garth Nix - “Holly and Iron�. A female Robin Hood in an alternate-history "Ingland" is shaken when her poor tactics lead to her sister's death. Will she be able to find a way to unite a divided country?
Mary Rosenblum - “Color Vision.� I've read Rosenblum's first two novels (because they were part of the Del Rey Discovery series, which featured a bunch of great new authors) - but apparently she's published 8 books since then! I might have to try some catching up! This story is a teen sci-fi piece, about how a young girl's synaesthesia turns out to be a lifesaver, when the new school principal turns out to be a villain from another world.
Kage Baker - “The Ruby Incomparable.� Kage Baker is truly missed. I only have a few more books by her to read, and I've sort of been saving them, since I know no more are coming... Here, she tells the tale of a fairy-tale marriage between Pure good and Pure evil. The story is available for free online:
Eoin Colfer’s - “The Fowl’s Tale.� I'm not a huge Colfer fan (didn't like Artemis Fowl), but this story's only 5 pages long, so it doesn't grate. Amusing tale of a greedy parrot who shows up at court with a tale to tell...
Jane Yolen - “Slipping Sideways Through Eternity.� A modern Jewish girl meets the Prophet Elijah, who takes her on a trip through time, helps her understand her heritage, and inspires her for the future.
Tad Williams - “The Stranger’s Hands.� A village takes in two wanderers - a man who seems to have lost his wits in an injury, and his caretaker. Soon, it is discovered that some who touch the disabled man's hands have their heart's desire magically granted. Soon, the needy flock to the town in hopes of having their wishes granted. But with greater exposure comes the revelation that the village's miracle man is (or was) actually one of the most powerful, dangerous, and evil wizards around. Is there some trick here? A well-crafted and thought-provoking tale.
Patricia A. McKillip - “Naming Day.� A young woman eagerly anticipates her 'naming day,' when her magical academy conducts a ceremony in which the students choose their magical name. But her mother has a lesson about values to teach her daughter.
Elizabeth Hand - “Winter’s Wife�. Hand is really good at short stories, and this in no exception. This was probably my favorite in the book... about a 'mountain man' from Maine, who marries a bride from Iceland that he met on the Internet. When a developer starts destroying ancient trees, something must be done...
Andy Duncan - “A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil’s Ninth Question.� I'd read this Southern Gothic piece before (in Fantasy: The Best of the Year, 2008) but again, it was worth re-reading. Basically, a girl runs away from working in a sideshow, ends up living in a witch's house full of ghosts, and meets the devil... but there's more to it than that.
Peter S. Beagle - “Barrens Dance.� The reason I got this book - I was looking for more from Peter Beagle. This story is redolent of ancient myth, as it tells the story of what a woman must do to escape an evil wizard's unwanted advances.
Nancy Kress - “Stone Man.� Under stress, a boy discovers he has heretofore-unknown magical powers. it loses him a friend, but gains him a new group of friends and a mission in life... Not Kress' best, but not bad.
Jeffrey Ford - “The Manticore Spell.� A monster might be dangerous - but also sublime: endangered and strangely beautiful. Should every monster be killed?
Tanith Lee - “Zinder.� By day, Zinder is a deformed dwarf who lives in an impoverished village, tormented by ignorant bullies. But by night he is a powerful wizard, who travels the world, dispensing advice and magical boons amid glittering courts, and doing good deeds for the needy. Kind of a retelling of the Biblical tale that Jesus may be disguised as any lowly beggar... written with Lee's own poetic language and lovely imagery.
Terry Bisson - “Billy and the Wizard.� Short, surreal tale of a boy who finds a wizard in his garage. Not my favorite, but I can see why others would like it.
Terry Dowling - “The Magikkers.� If someone told you you had only enough magic for one true spell - and then asked you to give away that magic, would you?
Gene Wolfe - “The Magic Animal.� Sometimes I love Gene Wolfe, and at other times I feel that his stories go off track due to their ambition. This Arthurian tale verges toward the latter, but there are still some lovely aspects to it.
Orson Scott Card - “Stonefather.� This novella is apparently in the world of Card's 'Mithermages' series (2 books published so far; haven't read either yet.) However, I probably will - this is a good (if a bit typical) high fantasy story, with an original take on earth/water magic and an interesting setup.
May 24, 2011
Fantasy stories ignite the imagination in ways that realistic fiction can not. Characters are larger than life. Conflicts mean life and death � often for an entire race or culture.
In this collection, editors Dann and Dozois, have collected unpublished short stories from a variety of well-known fantasy authors. Each story is about a wizard, but rarely do they appear in the pointed hat and starry cape (like the one on the cover of the book):
Orson Scott Card introduces us to the mages of the elements, who draw their power and their forms from nature.
Mary Rosenblum creates a magical world of colorful auras and a mysterious villain, threatened with oblivion by the real mask they wear.
Terry Dowling takes us to a special school, where students make choices that affect not only their own magical power and abilities, but those around them as well.
Journey through hell and talk to the devil with stories from Andy Duncan and from Terry Bisson.
There is no way to give proper accolades to every story and author represented in this book. Pick up the book and choose one of the excellently crafted stories to embark on a magical mini-vacation today! There are 18 destinations to choose from; a little something to suit every fantasy reader.
June 6, 2013
I only read about half of this book, so my rating is only based on that much of it, plus my impression of the book as a whole. This seemed like a great collection of short stories by some excellent authors, some of whom I have read, others new to me. Those stories I read were good; I think I especially liked the one by Garth Nix. The problem is that I really don't like short stories. They are too short! I like to really sink my teeth into a book and short stories are just over far too soon for my liking. So if you like short stories, this book is highly recommended.
July 19, 2020
Most of these stories were a chore.
November 12, 2011
Some of the stories I really loved, some I liked and some I found pointless. Some of them had a deeper meaning that touched me deeply and some of them were adventurous and just fun to read. Overall, I consider this book a very nice collection of short stories. It reminded me of how exciting fantasy books are, which I hadn't read for years.
"The witch's headstone", "The Ruby Incomparable", "Winter's wife" and "Zinder" :Favorites
"The stranger's hands", "The Manticore Spell", "Billy and the wizard" : I could do without reading...
I am going to write something about each one of them, so if you don't feel like reading, just go on to the next review!
"The witch's headstone" I liked a lot. It was the first piece I read of Neil Gaiman and the reason I'm starting the Graveyard Book soon. Really well written and it made me feel I was there. He manages to create a really nice atmosphere. I really don't think that if you read it you can resist The Graveyard Book.
"Holly and Iron" was an interesting story as well. I liked it a lot, but it was not my kind of story. Meaning that I am not the person who will read a whole book on this particular theme. I liked the characters a lot, and the way they were described. A story worth reading.
"Color vision" I also liked a lot. Nice, moving ending. But it was enough as it was.
"The Ruby Incomparable" is definitely one of my favorites. As soon as I finished it I felt the urge of reading more about it, about that world and about Svnae's life. I really liked the deeper meaning of this one. A story that got me thinking. Also, the story that got me searching more of Kage Baker (remember, I am a fantasy rookie).
"A Fowl Tale" was very fun to read. Easy read and very imaginable.
"Slipping sideways through eternity" was nice, interesting how it got connected to real historical facts. But not something I would read again.
"The stranger's hands" I didn't really get. It didn't catch my attention. I finished it just because I can't leave a book with a part unfinished.
"Naming Day" was really fun to read. Really caught my attention, light writing and light reading. A perfect short story.
"Winter's wife" , also one of my favorites. Really liked the characters, the setting, it was all easy to imagine. And I also liked what it really meant. And I loved Winter's wife, the person!
"A Diorama of the Infernal Regions" didn't excite me. It reminded me of strangely dark movies with puppets and strings and fake smiles and lots of red backround. A story I won't miss.
"Barrens Dance" I expected better. Maybe because of some reviews that listed it as one of the best and my sister that kept asking me if I read it yet, with excitement and sparks all over her eyes. Don't get me wrong, it was a really nice story, moving and all, but not my favorite of this selection.
"Stone Man" is one of my favorites. Something between "About a boy" and "Harry Potter". I would love to read more about the battle of the good ones and the "Other Side". I love the fact that it's connected to the real world. I would definitely read more.
"The Manticore Spell". I didn't like that one. Couldn't imagine the characters, nor the settings. It wasn't interesting for me at all.
"Zinder" on the other side, was a very sweet story. Full of wisdom and kindness. It reminds us of the goodness and generosity hidden in all of us. I really enjoyed reading it, I would read it again and I surely recommend it.
"Billy and the wizard" was a stupid, meaningless story. It just left me with the impression that the author was asked to write a story for this collection and he remembered it an hour before the deadline and came up with this. It really discouraged me on finding out more about Terry Bisson.
"The Maggikers" was alright. Didn't find a serious meaning to it. It was a nice read though. But just for once.
"The Magic Animal". Hmmmm... I can't say that I didn't enjoy it. But it was one of the stories that just couldn't get me hooked and I left it every two pages and got back to it again later. I loved the fact that Merlin is involved and all the time traveling was interesting, but that's all.
"The Stonefather" was very long for a short story and the first half was a bit dull and flat for my taste. It reminded me of "The perfume" by Patrick Suskind. After that, it got really interesting, but it was kinda like reading two different stories. I liked how it envolved nature's elements. It was nice overall.
"The witch's headstone", "The Ruby Incomparable", "Winter's wife" and "Zinder" :Favorites
"The stranger's hands", "The Manticore Spell", "Billy and the wizard" : I could do without reading...
I am going to write something about each one of them, so if you don't feel like reading, just go on to the next review!
"The witch's headstone" I liked a lot. It was the first piece I read of Neil Gaiman and the reason I'm starting the Graveyard Book soon. Really well written and it made me feel I was there. He manages to create a really nice atmosphere. I really don't think that if you read it you can resist The Graveyard Book.
"Holly and Iron" was an interesting story as well. I liked it a lot, but it was not my kind of story. Meaning that I am not the person who will read a whole book on this particular theme. I liked the characters a lot, and the way they were described. A story worth reading.
"Color vision" I also liked a lot. Nice, moving ending. But it was enough as it was.
"The Ruby Incomparable" is definitely one of my favorites. As soon as I finished it I felt the urge of reading more about it, about that world and about Svnae's life. I really liked the deeper meaning of this one. A story that got me thinking. Also, the story that got me searching more of Kage Baker (remember, I am a fantasy rookie).
"A Fowl Tale" was very fun to read. Easy read and very imaginable.
"Slipping sideways through eternity" was nice, interesting how it got connected to real historical facts. But not something I would read again.
"The stranger's hands" I didn't really get. It didn't catch my attention. I finished it just because I can't leave a book with a part unfinished.
"Naming Day" was really fun to read. Really caught my attention, light writing and light reading. A perfect short story.
"Winter's wife" , also one of my favorites. Really liked the characters, the setting, it was all easy to imagine. And I also liked what it really meant. And I loved Winter's wife, the person!
"A Diorama of the Infernal Regions" didn't excite me. It reminded me of strangely dark movies with puppets and strings and fake smiles and lots of red backround. A story I won't miss.
"Barrens Dance" I expected better. Maybe because of some reviews that listed it as one of the best and my sister that kept asking me if I read it yet, with excitement and sparks all over her eyes. Don't get me wrong, it was a really nice story, moving and all, but not my favorite of this selection.
"Stone Man" is one of my favorites. Something between "About a boy" and "Harry Potter". I would love to read more about the battle of the good ones and the "Other Side". I love the fact that it's connected to the real world. I would definitely read more.
"The Manticore Spell". I didn't like that one. Couldn't imagine the characters, nor the settings. It wasn't interesting for me at all.
"Zinder" on the other side, was a very sweet story. Full of wisdom and kindness. It reminds us of the goodness and generosity hidden in all of us. I really enjoyed reading it, I would read it again and I surely recommend it.
"Billy and the wizard" was a stupid, meaningless story. It just left me with the impression that the author was asked to write a story for this collection and he remembered it an hour before the deadline and came up with this. It really discouraged me on finding out more about Terry Bisson.
"The Maggikers" was alright. Didn't find a serious meaning to it. It was a nice read though. But just for once.
"The Magic Animal". Hmmmm... I can't say that I didn't enjoy it. But it was one of the stories that just couldn't get me hooked and I left it every two pages and got back to it again later. I loved the fact that Merlin is involved and all the time traveling was interesting, but that's all.
"The Stonefather" was very long for a short story and the first half was a bit dull and flat for my taste. It reminded me of "The perfume" by Patrick Suskind. After that, it got really interesting, but it was kinda like reading two different stories. I liked how it envolved nature's elements. It was nice overall.
July 29, 2009
Nineteen authors come together to form a collection of stories filled with wizards, and magical worlds in both ancient and modern times. The anthology kicks off with Neil Gaiman's "The Witch's Headstone" staring Bod, a boy being raised in a cemetery and ends with "Stonefather" by Orson Scott Card about a boy born in poverty with nothing but his abilities to survive in a hostile world.
The main theme is, of course, wizards and how in every age and culture there seems to be different (or maybe not that different, after all) versions of them, whether they're evil or good - and sometimes both. I had a really hard time reading this book, it just seemed like the same thing over and over again and after a while, I was terrible bored. I think they overdid it with nineteen so-so stories when several strong ones would have made this anthology a lot better. There were a few stories that I really liked, like Garth Nix's "Holly and Iron" about two princesses trying to take their home back and Patricia A. McKillip's "Naming Day" which was a lovely story about a young witch learning what's important in life. There were a few really interesting ones and I felt those were the ones that truly seemed magical to me. Some of the stories seemed superficial and just a filler for the book, there didn't seemed to be any point to them. Unfortunately, the overall theme seemed very cheesy to me and mediocre at best. I thought this book had the potential of being well, magical, but I was really disappointed.
The main theme is, of course, wizards and how in every age and culture there seems to be different (or maybe not that different, after all) versions of them, whether they're evil or good - and sometimes both. I had a really hard time reading this book, it just seemed like the same thing over and over again and after a while, I was terrible bored. I think they overdid it with nineteen so-so stories when several strong ones would have made this anthology a lot better. There were a few stories that I really liked, like Garth Nix's "Holly and Iron" about two princesses trying to take their home back and Patricia A. McKillip's "Naming Day" which was a lovely story about a young witch learning what's important in life. There were a few really interesting ones and I felt those were the ones that truly seemed magical to me. Some of the stories seemed superficial and just a filler for the book, there didn't seemed to be any point to them. Unfortunately, the overall theme seemed very cheesy to me and mediocre at best. I thought this book had the potential of being well, magical, but I was really disappointed.
August 6, 2021
As is true of all short story collections, this took me longer to read than a novel it's same size. Also true for most, I liked most but some were meh. I don't think there were any that I didn't actually like though, and now I have a lot more authors to check out.
The Witch's Headstone by Neil Gaiman: A fabulous chapter from a book I completely adore. There is definitely more to the story (which I know, since I have read it) but I think it can also work as a stand-alone here, which I never realized. So either he made some alterations from the version in The Graveyard Book, or I never noticed that this chapter can also be a stand-alone story within a story. Fascinating. But it also made me worried that some of the other chapters are ALSO just chapters from another book.
Holly and Iron by Garth Nix: Another author I like, and this story was a really fun, interesting read. I do wonder if there is a larger story here, but it stands well enough on its own. It had an interesting twist at the end, which I didn't really see coming at the start.
Color Vision by Mary Rosenblum: I really fell in love with this story very quickly. Synesthesia is fascinating, and I just grew to love Melanie with the way she described her class and surroundings. The story is well told, the characters are interesting, there could ALSO be a much larger story here, so many unanswered questions, but also has a nice beginning, middle, end.
The Ruby Incomparable by Kage Baker: Interesting, with a very different feel from the other three. First off, because it seems to be a stand-alone with none of that feel of "is there more to this story"? A very interesting look at a mother-daughter relationship, that I didn't really relate to, so maybe I am missing something.
A Fowl Tale by Eoin Colfer: This one was meh. I don't really care for the fact that most of the narrative is a story inside of the story, and not a very interesting one at that with the way it was told. I would be interested in reading more by Colfer, but maybe a full-length novel instead of a short story.
Slipping Sideways through Eternity by Jane Yolen: Fascinating premise, but time travel always feels so messy and too problematic. I usually really like Yolen's work though, so I was more disappointed by this than if it was an author I didn't know. Very well told at least, but still.
The Stranger's Hands by Tad Williams: Williams is hands down one of my favorite authors ever, though the shortest book I've read of his (War of the Flowers) I did not like so I was a little apprehensive of a short story. I had no reason to fear though, because this story is fascinating, well-told, and is a great tale.
Naming Day by Patricia A. McKillip: I didn't really like Averil, at all, which makes it hard for me to get into a story. She is a self-centered spoiled brat walking around like she's Queen of All. I related much more to her mother, and to Felix, though why Felix is so drawn to Averil I don't know. I liked what happened to Averil, I did have some schadenfreude at her expense. And I guess I can have hope that maybe the experience will help her be a better person over all.
Winter's Wife by Elizabeth Hand: I loved this one. The characters, the setting, the descriptions, I just loved it. Strange that it has a real person in it, as the villain. It makes me wonder if there is a little bit of truth in this story (relating to what he does or the things he owns or whatnot) but I couldn't find anything. I definitely want to find more of Hand's work to read.
A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil's Ninth Question by Andy Duncan: Phew, that title. An interesting story with fun concepts, though left so open, there is so much of the world that is never explained fully. It's not fleshed out enough for me to feel I solidly have the answers. Which is often done on purpose, I know, and is more a personal peeve than anything else. I liked how it was told in Pearl's voice. The narrative and characters were strong, but I feel I missed something.
Barrens Dance by Peter S. Beagle: This one has an interesting approach of narrative, as if an old man is talking to you personally, telling you a story. This one could easily be attached to a larger world where more is explained. I liked it, and there were little clues throughout that would snag my attention, but didn't fall into place until the end.
Stone Man by Nancy Kress: This one definitely could fit into a larger story, there are way too many unanswered questions and problems. The characters and narrative were all well done, I liked Jared with all his prickliness and how he views the world around him. I would read more of Kress, definitely.
The Manticore Spell by Jeffrey Ford: Very well spun story, I felt like this one was a true "short story" that can just stand on its own in a well-built world. There is a lot I feel like I missed, that went over my head or past me, and maybe it was because I was reading in the car or maybe it was just because I missed it. Really well crafted story though.
Zinder by Tanith Lee: This is a great twist on the "ugly duckling" fable. So fascinatingly told. So sad and sweet all at once. I am very fond of Quackers.
Billy and the Wizard by Terry Bisson: This one was so strange! So strange!! I really don't know what I read here. Still. Very twisted, very interesting narrative style. So weird though.
The Magikkers by Terry Dowling: This is a fascinating story, with an interesting world and characters. I like the play of power and questions, the reactions and actions. This was a fun story. I feel I did miss something at the end, but I'm still feeling it out.
The Magic Animal by Gene Wolfe: Another twist on a well-known legend. It jumps around a lot, and is the "background" story of what we usually hear/read/see. But it's fairly fun, even if there is playing around with time-travel, it's just a little bit and doesn't make paradoxes.
Stonefather by Orson Scott Card: Card is a fantastic author and this story continues my appreciation of his work. Well told, interesting character and mythology/world/magic. I don't remember if I read his mithermage books, I feel like maybe I read the first one years ago but since the series wasn't finished I didn't go further, but that could have been a different series all together. Who knows. But this was a strong story to finish on, with a great telling and a satisfying resolution.
The Witch's Headstone by Neil Gaiman: A fabulous chapter from a book I completely adore. There is definitely more to the story (which I know, since I have read it) but I think it can also work as a stand-alone here, which I never realized. So either he made some alterations from the version in The Graveyard Book, or I never noticed that this chapter can also be a stand-alone story within a story. Fascinating. But it also made me worried that some of the other chapters are ALSO just chapters from another book.
Holly and Iron by Garth Nix: Another author I like, and this story was a really fun, interesting read. I do wonder if there is a larger story here, but it stands well enough on its own. It had an interesting twist at the end, which I didn't really see coming at the start.
Color Vision by Mary Rosenblum: I really fell in love with this story very quickly. Synesthesia is fascinating, and I just grew to love Melanie with the way she described her class and surroundings. The story is well told, the characters are interesting, there could ALSO be a much larger story here, so many unanswered questions, but also has a nice beginning, middle, end.
The Ruby Incomparable by Kage Baker: Interesting, with a very different feel from the other three. First off, because it seems to be a stand-alone with none of that feel of "is there more to this story"? A very interesting look at a mother-daughter relationship, that I didn't really relate to, so maybe I am missing something.
A Fowl Tale by Eoin Colfer: This one was meh. I don't really care for the fact that most of the narrative is a story inside of the story, and not a very interesting one at that with the way it was told. I would be interested in reading more by Colfer, but maybe a full-length novel instead of a short story.
Slipping Sideways through Eternity by Jane Yolen: Fascinating premise, but time travel always feels so messy and too problematic. I usually really like Yolen's work though, so I was more disappointed by this than if it was an author I didn't know. Very well told at least, but still.
The Stranger's Hands by Tad Williams: Williams is hands down one of my favorite authors ever, though the shortest book I've read of his (War of the Flowers) I did not like so I was a little apprehensive of a short story. I had no reason to fear though, because this story is fascinating, well-told, and is a great tale.
Naming Day by Patricia A. McKillip: I didn't really like Averil, at all, which makes it hard for me to get into a story. She is a self-centered spoiled brat walking around like she's Queen of All. I related much more to her mother, and to Felix, though why Felix is so drawn to Averil I don't know. I liked what happened to Averil, I did have some schadenfreude at her expense. And I guess I can have hope that maybe the experience will help her be a better person over all.
Winter's Wife by Elizabeth Hand: I loved this one. The characters, the setting, the descriptions, I just loved it. Strange that it has a real person in it, as the villain. It makes me wonder if there is a little bit of truth in this story (relating to what he does or the things he owns or whatnot) but I couldn't find anything. I definitely want to find more of Hand's work to read.
A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil's Ninth Question by Andy Duncan: Phew, that title. An interesting story with fun concepts, though left so open, there is so much of the world that is never explained fully. It's not fleshed out enough for me to feel I solidly have the answers. Which is often done on purpose, I know, and is more a personal peeve than anything else. I liked how it was told in Pearl's voice. The narrative and characters were strong, but I feel I missed something.
Barrens Dance by Peter S. Beagle: This one has an interesting approach of narrative, as if an old man is talking to you personally, telling you a story. This one could easily be attached to a larger world where more is explained. I liked it, and there were little clues throughout that would snag my attention, but didn't fall into place until the end.
Stone Man by Nancy Kress: This one definitely could fit into a larger story, there are way too many unanswered questions and problems. The characters and narrative were all well done, I liked Jared with all his prickliness and how he views the world around him. I would read more of Kress, definitely.
The Manticore Spell by Jeffrey Ford: Very well spun story, I felt like this one was a true "short story" that can just stand on its own in a well-built world. There is a lot I feel like I missed, that went over my head or past me, and maybe it was because I was reading in the car or maybe it was just because I missed it. Really well crafted story though.
Zinder by Tanith Lee: This is a great twist on the "ugly duckling" fable. So fascinatingly told. So sad and sweet all at once. I am very fond of Quackers.
Billy and the Wizard by Terry Bisson: This one was so strange! So strange!! I really don't know what I read here. Still. Very twisted, very interesting narrative style. So weird though.
The Magikkers by Terry Dowling: This is a fascinating story, with an interesting world and characters. I like the play of power and questions, the reactions and actions. This was a fun story. I feel I did miss something at the end, but I'm still feeling it out.
The Magic Animal by Gene Wolfe: Another twist on a well-known legend. It jumps around a lot, and is the "background" story of what we usually hear/read/see. But it's fairly fun, even if there is playing around with time-travel, it's just a little bit and doesn't make paradoxes.
Stonefather by Orson Scott Card: Card is a fantastic author and this story continues my appreciation of his work. Well told, interesting character and mythology/world/magic. I don't remember if I read his mithermage books, I feel like maybe I read the first one years ago but since the series wasn't finished I didn't go further, but that could have been a different series all together. Who knows. But this was a strong story to finish on, with a great telling and a satisfying resolution.
September 11, 2015
This book was crazily difficult to find in the goodreads system. Too many books named Dark Alchemy, and apparently not linked up well to any of the authors. But we found it by ISBN so it does exist, and a thousand other people found it too.
I liked a few of these stories, some of them I'd read before as they're excerpts from longer works. But the new author I liked was Kage Baker. I'm not sure I'd choose to read a long story in that style but as a short story about wizards it was pretty adorable.
Mostly I really need to stop picking up short stories. I feel at the end of it like I've run a marathon, where nothing was particularly bad, nothing long enough to be satisfying, and I feel like I've read 12 books and need a holiday.
I liked a few of these stories, some of them I'd read before as they're excerpts from longer works. But the new author I liked was Kage Baker. I'm not sure I'd choose to read a long story in that style but as a short story about wizards it was pretty adorable.
Mostly I really need to stop picking up short stories. I feel at the end of it like I've run a marathon, where nothing was particularly bad, nothing long enough to be satisfying, and I feel like I've read 12 books and need a holiday.
December 31, 2009
I never really loved short story format, but I've been warming up to it since I've been trying to plow through books that have been sitting on my shelf for FOREVER. This compilation had some GREAT entries, all centering around the idea of wizards. Ones I loved the most were by Neil Gaiman, Orson Scott Card, Garth Nix and Kage Baker (who I have only read a few things by, must remedy!) A few were a little simplistic and young-adultish in tone, but still enjoyable. It's a fine line with fantasy/folktale, and these tales proved to be engrossing sometimes as a full length series. Very enjoyable!
May 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐️'s
April 24, 2009
This anthology contains never-before-published stories by masters of fantasy: Neil Gaiman, Eoin Colfer, Garth Nix, and a magical lineup of writers.
Throughout the ages, the wizard has claimed a spot in human culture � from the shadowy spiritual leaders of early man to precocious characters in blockbuster films. Today's wizards are more subtle in their powers, more discerning in their ways, and-in the hands of modern fantasists � more likely than ever to capture readers' imaginations.
The Witch's Headstone by Neil Gaiman >> A story that'll be a part of Gaiman's soon to be released book "The Graveyard" about a boy who grew up in the graveyard. He asks the question whether people who take their own lives become happier afterwards. "It's like the people who believe they'll be happy if they go and live somewhere else, but who learn it doesn't work that way. Wherever you go, you take yourself with you."
Holly and Iron by Garth Nix >> Only one woman possesses two kinds of magic--enough to unite two kingdoms that have been at war for so long. Running away from one's destiny is futile if it meant the unification of all. Slightly reminiscent of the Arthurian legend of the sword-in-the-stone.
Color Vision by Mary Rosenblum >> What if you could see colors in sounds? How would you move about in the world? A promising story but tended to get confusing towards at the end, with too many elements thrown in the mix.
The Ruby Incomparable by Kage Baker >> I loved this story of a headstrong daughter from the marriage of the purest evil and the purest Good! I wish that the author would make a novel out of this story of Svnae--of her various adventures and exploits. Had a fantastic time reading it.
A Fowl Tale by Eoin Colfer >> A famished dove spins a tale worthy of a meal (as was the custom in the old days), but perhaps not the exact truth. What'll happen to him when he's found out? Enjoyable short story on all accounts.
Slipping Sideways Through Eternity by Jane Yolen >> Millions of devout Jews set a place for the prophet Elijah at the family table every Passover; what would happen if he does actually show up? A shade too religious for my taste; containing quite a narrative of the Holocaust and the Jewish Diaspora.
The Stranger's Hands by Tad Williams >> What if you could obtain your Heart's desire through the use of magic from the most evil wizard of the time, would you do so? What if you yourself have no idea of your true Heart's desire, would you risk it anyways?
Naming Day by Patricia McKillip >> This provided a sorcery student a lesson in breaking the rules, and of putting your family first before anything else. I so wanted to find out what was Averil's true name, but I guess that's a secret shared between mother & daughter.
Winter's Wife by Elizabeth Hand >> An Icelandic bride in modern Maine makes elemental magic. "Hey, with a name like mine, where else you gonna find a wife?" Quite true, Mr. Winter.
A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil's Ninth Question by Andy Duncan >> A confusing tale about a blessed girl having had the opportunity to meeting the widow of Flatland House and her 473 dead friends, singing a duet with the Devil's son-in-law and earning a wizard's anger by setting the former free.
Barrens Dance by Peter Beagle >> A story about the intricacies of love and lust, obsession and devotion and of a wizard who performs his magic not by spells or wand waving, but by dancing.
Stone Man by Nancy Kress >> A story with a very cocky, modern tone to it populated by the brotherhood of wizards in a modern-day city. Not to my liking due to all the peppering of expletives and the abruptness of its ending.
The Manticore Spell by Jeffrey Ford >> What goes around, comes around even in the case of wizards and magical beasts. The story gets to be long-winded in its pacing so it might prove to be boring to some.
Zinder by Tanith Lee >> What begins as your ordinary, oft-used Ugly Duckling story proves to be something else. I love Zinder--of the possibilities that are present with what he already possesses and of his conscious decision to use them for the good and never expecting anything in exchange.
Billy and the Wizard by Terry Bisson >> I can't make sense of this short story of a boy finding the Devil rummaging in his garage, looking for a wizard trapped in a magazine.
The Magikkers by Terry Dowling >> What is the difference between a magician and a magikker? I never thought that there was a difference at first. Better pick carefully if you can only perform one magical act your entire life as a magikker. Now, if it were me, I'd definitely be the predictable type.
The Magic Animal by Gene Wolfe >> If you had the gift of understanding the speech of animals, would you help the world to be a better place? Take care of what you are prepared to sacrifice--it may lead to a broken heart. I liked the references to Merlin & the Lady of the Lake.
Stonefather by Orson Scott Card >> A boy born in poverty who had to deal with contempt his entire life found himself relying on his natural abilities and wit to survive in a city populated by watermages.
Book Details:
Title Wizards: Magical Tales from the Masters of Modern Fantasy
Author Edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Throughout the ages, the wizard has claimed a spot in human culture � from the shadowy spiritual leaders of early man to precocious characters in blockbuster films. Today's wizards are more subtle in their powers, more discerning in their ways, and-in the hands of modern fantasists � more likely than ever to capture readers' imaginations.
The Witch's Headstone by Neil Gaiman >> A story that'll be a part of Gaiman's soon to be released book "The Graveyard" about a boy who grew up in the graveyard. He asks the question whether people who take their own lives become happier afterwards. "It's like the people who believe they'll be happy if they go and live somewhere else, but who learn it doesn't work that way. Wherever you go, you take yourself with you."
Holly and Iron by Garth Nix >> Only one woman possesses two kinds of magic--enough to unite two kingdoms that have been at war for so long. Running away from one's destiny is futile if it meant the unification of all. Slightly reminiscent of the Arthurian legend of the sword-in-the-stone.
Color Vision by Mary Rosenblum >> What if you could see colors in sounds? How would you move about in the world? A promising story but tended to get confusing towards at the end, with too many elements thrown in the mix.
The Ruby Incomparable by Kage Baker >> I loved this story of a headstrong daughter from the marriage of the purest evil and the purest Good! I wish that the author would make a novel out of this story of Svnae--of her various adventures and exploits. Had a fantastic time reading it.
A Fowl Tale by Eoin Colfer >> A famished dove spins a tale worthy of a meal (as was the custom in the old days), but perhaps not the exact truth. What'll happen to him when he's found out? Enjoyable short story on all accounts.
Slipping Sideways Through Eternity by Jane Yolen >> Millions of devout Jews set a place for the prophet Elijah at the family table every Passover; what would happen if he does actually show up? A shade too religious for my taste; containing quite a narrative of the Holocaust and the Jewish Diaspora.
The Stranger's Hands by Tad Williams >> What if you could obtain your Heart's desire through the use of magic from the most evil wizard of the time, would you do so? What if you yourself have no idea of your true Heart's desire, would you risk it anyways?
Naming Day by Patricia McKillip >> This provided a sorcery student a lesson in breaking the rules, and of putting your family first before anything else. I so wanted to find out what was Averil's true name, but I guess that's a secret shared between mother & daughter.
Winter's Wife by Elizabeth Hand >> An Icelandic bride in modern Maine makes elemental magic. "Hey, with a name like mine, where else you gonna find a wife?" Quite true, Mr. Winter.
A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil's Ninth Question by Andy Duncan >> A confusing tale about a blessed girl having had the opportunity to meeting the widow of Flatland House and her 473 dead friends, singing a duet with the Devil's son-in-law and earning a wizard's anger by setting the former free.
Barrens Dance by Peter Beagle >> A story about the intricacies of love and lust, obsession and devotion and of a wizard who performs his magic not by spells or wand waving, but by dancing.
Stone Man by Nancy Kress >> A story with a very cocky, modern tone to it populated by the brotherhood of wizards in a modern-day city. Not to my liking due to all the peppering of expletives and the abruptness of its ending.
The Manticore Spell by Jeffrey Ford >> What goes around, comes around even in the case of wizards and magical beasts. The story gets to be long-winded in its pacing so it might prove to be boring to some.
Zinder by Tanith Lee >> What begins as your ordinary, oft-used Ugly Duckling story proves to be something else. I love Zinder--of the possibilities that are present with what he already possesses and of his conscious decision to use them for the good and never expecting anything in exchange.
Billy and the Wizard by Terry Bisson >> I can't make sense of this short story of a boy finding the Devil rummaging in his garage, looking for a wizard trapped in a magazine.
The Magikkers by Terry Dowling >> What is the difference between a magician and a magikker? I never thought that there was a difference at first. Better pick carefully if you can only perform one magical act your entire life as a magikker. Now, if it were me, I'd definitely be the predictable type.
The Magic Animal by Gene Wolfe >> If you had the gift of understanding the speech of animals, would you help the world to be a better place? Take care of what you are prepared to sacrifice--it may lead to a broken heart. I liked the references to Merlin & the Lady of the Lake.
Stonefather by Orson Scott Card >> A boy born in poverty who had to deal with contempt his entire life found himself relying on his natural abilities and wit to survive in a city populated by watermages.
Book Details:
Title Wizards: Magical Tales from the Masters of Modern Fantasy
Author Edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois
Reviewed By Purplycookie
January 13, 2023
A mixed bag like any anthology, but with no stories I hated and some I thought were gems. Standouts for me were Gaiman's "The Witch's Headstone," Williams's "The Stranger's Hands" (oddly one of only two stories in the collection an adult viewpoint character, and even here the opening section has a child viewpoint character even if he quickly disappears from the story), McKillip's "Naming Day," Hand's "Winter's Wife" (I would call this one "heartwarming," not "chilling," but you do you, Dozois, you do you), and Duncan's "A Diorama of the Infernal Regions."
October 13, 2018
A collection of short stories is always a convenient and favoured medium for me. Especially when it has contributions from various authors, like this book. All the stories are equally gripping and intriguing. They are suitable for readers across all ages. Moreover, they all are basically hope-giving stories, even if the title gives the impression of darkness or dismail mood. I enjoyed all the stories. Full of magic, hope and charm, this book is worth every last penny spent.
November 25, 2017
Good variety, quality authors. Recommended.
April 27, 2017
This is one of those books that I bought ages and ages ago that just lurked on my TBR pile, making me feel awfully guilty for years. I'd thought, at the time of purchase, that this collection was for adults, and indeed there was no indication on the cover that this is a YA read, but there you have it. This is YA fantasy. Not that I'm complaining, because the stories were of a consistently high quality.
I admit there is only one reason that I purchased the anthology, and that was because of Neil Gaiman � my reckoning being that any anthology he appears in will be of a sufficiently high standard, and overall, I wasn't wrong in this assumption. His story, "The Witch's Headstone" is part of the same setting as The Graveyard Book and really is as charming and dark as any typical Gaiman tale.
Garth Nix's "Holly and Iron" goes back to the ancient conflict in the British Isles, stock standard fantasy fare and a tale underpinned by the bonds of blood ... and resolving ancient conflict.
Kage Baker's "The Ruby Incomparable" gave me joy, as it harks back to classic-style storytelling that is conscious of itself within the framework of a god-like storyteller. A very well developed voice.
It was lovely also to see a Peter S Beagle story here � "Barrens Dance" had all the wonderful mythic qualities that are hallmarks of his writing, even if I'll never be certain what exactly a shukri looks like, and maybe that's all right too...
"The Manticore Spell" by Jeffrey Ford also struck me as a stand-out piece, with much sorrow and beauty attached to it.
Of course Tanith Lee's inclusion with the story "Zinder" is a treat. She deserves far more mainstream recognition for her contribution to the genre over the years. The story itself is surprising, and takes twists and turns that I could not predict.
Oh man, and the Gene Wolfe story, "The Magic Animal", was lovely. I can see why the editors left that one till almost last. I stopped reading there as Orson Scott Card is on my DNR list due to his attitude towards LGBTI people. I know folks say that one should separate the art from the artist, but I cannot in good conscience read his work.
I admit there is only one reason that I purchased the anthology, and that was because of Neil Gaiman � my reckoning being that any anthology he appears in will be of a sufficiently high standard, and overall, I wasn't wrong in this assumption. His story, "The Witch's Headstone" is part of the same setting as The Graveyard Book and really is as charming and dark as any typical Gaiman tale.
Garth Nix's "Holly and Iron" goes back to the ancient conflict in the British Isles, stock standard fantasy fare and a tale underpinned by the bonds of blood ... and resolving ancient conflict.
Kage Baker's "The Ruby Incomparable" gave me joy, as it harks back to classic-style storytelling that is conscious of itself within the framework of a god-like storyteller. A very well developed voice.
It was lovely also to see a Peter S Beagle story here � "Barrens Dance" had all the wonderful mythic qualities that are hallmarks of his writing, even if I'll never be certain what exactly a shukri looks like, and maybe that's all right too...
"The Manticore Spell" by Jeffrey Ford also struck me as a stand-out piece, with much sorrow and beauty attached to it.
Of course Tanith Lee's inclusion with the story "Zinder" is a treat. She deserves far more mainstream recognition for her contribution to the genre over the years. The story itself is surprising, and takes twists and turns that I could not predict.
Oh man, and the Gene Wolfe story, "The Magic Animal", was lovely. I can see why the editors left that one till almost last. I stopped reading there as Orson Scott Card is on my DNR list due to his attitude towards LGBTI people. I know folks say that one should separate the art from the artist, but I cannot in good conscience read his work.
June 1, 2017
I think my favorite story was 'Stonefather.'
August 30, 2021
2.5
W zestawieniu znajdują się lepsze i gorsze opowiadania. Najbardziej spodobało mi się Gaimana (oczywiście), Rosenblum, McKillip, Hand i Lee.
W zestawieniu znajdują się lepsze i gorsze opowiadania. Najbardziej spodobało mi się Gaimana (oczywiście), Rosenblum, McKillip, Hand i Lee.
September 2, 2023
My favorite short stories in this collection were:
"The Witch's Headstone" by Neil Gaiman
"Winter's Wife" by Elizabeth Hand
"Zinder" by Tanith Lee
"Stonefather" by Orson Scott Card
Overall, a wonderfully magical collection celebrating wizardry and all things enchanting. ✨️
"The Witch's Headstone" by Neil Gaiman
"Winter's Wife" by Elizabeth Hand
"Zinder" by Tanith Lee
"Stonefather" by Orson Scott Card
Overall, a wonderfully magical collection celebrating wizardry and all things enchanting. ✨️
May 3, 2011
The first story in the collection, which also happened to be the first story I read, is “The Witch’s Headstone� by Neil Gaiman, the, as far as I’m concerned, Lord and Master of All Things Fantastical And Mysterious.
“The Witch’s Headstone� later became a chapter in Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, which I’ve also read and reviewed before. However, I just had to read it again, both because I love Gaiman and because, to be honest, I was beginning to miss that Bod Owens.
The story begins with Bod (short for Nobody) Owens investigating the story that a witch is buried outside of the graveyard in which he lives, on the consecrated ground. After questioning both his “parents� (quick note:: I’m glossing over a good deal of the backstory of Nobody Owens because it’s not talked about in “The Witch’s Headstone�. For the full details, see The Graveyard Book. For the purposes of this review, though, it should be known that Bod is an orphan who has been, essentially, communally adopted by a local graveyard and it’s inhabitants and has been given the “freedom of the graveyard�, meaning he can see and talk to all sorts of spirits normal people can’t) as well as his teachers and guardians, Bod decides he’d like to meet the witch.
Unfortunately, Bod is a good boy and won’t violate the wishes of those who he’s supposed to obey. Perhaps it’s the power of the graveyard, then that sends him hurtling over the fence one day when the branch he’s sitting on in his favorite apple tree breaks. When he awakes, he sees the infamous witch, Elizabeth (Liza) Hempstock, standing over him. He questions her about her life as a witch, how she died, and the fact that all she wants more than anything now is a headstone, something to mark her burial space and, also, her existence. Bod then forms a plan to get Liza the headstone she seeks.
Stealing an ancient and valuable amulet from the Sleer (WE ARE THE SLEER. WE GUARD. I have a friend who has that exact phrase tattooed on the back of her neck, fun little tidbit), an ancient crypt-monster, Bod heads to a local pawnshop to sell the snakestone. When Bod tells him he found the stone in a graveyard, the man becomes enraptured with greedy thoughts of mountains of treasure and locks Bod up in an office while he calls his business partner. It’s then that Liza shows up and, hearing what a nice thing Bod is doing for her, helps him to become invisible and escape, but not before Bod notices and absconds with a heavy stone paperweight on the desk. Bod quickly returns the amulet to the Sleer (IT ALWAYS COMES BACK) and, after recieving a thorough flogging from his parents, makes Liza’s headstone out of the paperweight he stole. He mows the grass over her burial site, and leaves the stone carved just how Liza requested it:
E.H. We don’t forget.
Perhaps the thing I love most about this story, and about Bod in general, is that he really is such a loving boy. Yes, he disobeys his parents. Yes, his curiosity can get him into trouble (we’re talking stolen by demons and taken almost to the gates of hell kind of trouble) but, at the end of the day, he’s generous and caring and a truly warm heart in the cemetary. I also think that Bod gives us the chance, as readers, to read a very well written narrative told in the voice of an ordinary child (Bod never gets to be older than his early teen years) which I think is especially interesting given the fact that Bod is, really, anything but ordinary. He lives in a cemetary, for God’s sake, which isn’t a good start. But Gaiman writes him with such sympathy and love that it’s kind of easy to forget all that. And just love Bod for Bod, which is the best any writer can do, I think � to get a reader to love a character for that character, flaws and all.
I’m moving on now to “Color Vision� by Mary Rosenblum, another story in the Dark Alchemy collection, and I’m about a page in to it. So far it’s a little hard to get in to, but I also wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that I read it right after the Gaiman. After all, it’s hard to step away from the mastery Gaiman writes with when it comes to fantasy and fairy tales.
“The Witch’s Headstone� later became a chapter in Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, which I’ve also read and reviewed before. However, I just had to read it again, both because I love Gaiman and because, to be honest, I was beginning to miss that Bod Owens.
The story begins with Bod (short for Nobody) Owens investigating the story that a witch is buried outside of the graveyard in which he lives, on the consecrated ground. After questioning both his “parents� (quick note:: I’m glossing over a good deal of the backstory of Nobody Owens because it’s not talked about in “The Witch’s Headstone�. For the full details, see The Graveyard Book. For the purposes of this review, though, it should be known that Bod is an orphan who has been, essentially, communally adopted by a local graveyard and it’s inhabitants and has been given the “freedom of the graveyard�, meaning he can see and talk to all sorts of spirits normal people can’t) as well as his teachers and guardians, Bod decides he’d like to meet the witch.
Unfortunately, Bod is a good boy and won’t violate the wishes of those who he’s supposed to obey. Perhaps it’s the power of the graveyard, then that sends him hurtling over the fence one day when the branch he’s sitting on in his favorite apple tree breaks. When he awakes, he sees the infamous witch, Elizabeth (Liza) Hempstock, standing over him. He questions her about her life as a witch, how she died, and the fact that all she wants more than anything now is a headstone, something to mark her burial space and, also, her existence. Bod then forms a plan to get Liza the headstone she seeks.
Stealing an ancient and valuable amulet from the Sleer (WE ARE THE SLEER. WE GUARD. I have a friend who has that exact phrase tattooed on the back of her neck, fun little tidbit), an ancient crypt-monster, Bod heads to a local pawnshop to sell the snakestone. When Bod tells him he found the stone in a graveyard, the man becomes enraptured with greedy thoughts of mountains of treasure and locks Bod up in an office while he calls his business partner. It’s then that Liza shows up and, hearing what a nice thing Bod is doing for her, helps him to become invisible and escape, but not before Bod notices and absconds with a heavy stone paperweight on the desk. Bod quickly returns the amulet to the Sleer (IT ALWAYS COMES BACK) and, after recieving a thorough flogging from his parents, makes Liza’s headstone out of the paperweight he stole. He mows the grass over her burial site, and leaves the stone carved just how Liza requested it:
E.H. We don’t forget.
Perhaps the thing I love most about this story, and about Bod in general, is that he really is such a loving boy. Yes, he disobeys his parents. Yes, his curiosity can get him into trouble (we’re talking stolen by demons and taken almost to the gates of hell kind of trouble) but, at the end of the day, he’s generous and caring and a truly warm heart in the cemetary. I also think that Bod gives us the chance, as readers, to read a very well written narrative told in the voice of an ordinary child (Bod never gets to be older than his early teen years) which I think is especially interesting given the fact that Bod is, really, anything but ordinary. He lives in a cemetary, for God’s sake, which isn’t a good start. But Gaiman writes him with such sympathy and love that it’s kind of easy to forget all that. And just love Bod for Bod, which is the best any writer can do, I think � to get a reader to love a character for that character, flaws and all.
I’m moving on now to “Color Vision� by Mary Rosenblum, another story in the Dark Alchemy collection, and I’m about a page in to it. So far it’s a little hard to get in to, but I also wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that I read it right after the Gaiman. After all, it’s hard to step away from the mastery Gaiman writes with when it comes to fantasy and fairy tales.
July 30, 2017
It's a great example of how different we all are and how we perceive the world regarding some very common topics. Well, a number of fantasy writers were given the same task and same keyword, yet so amazingly different stories formed in their heads and came out as a compilation. Fantasy and ideas only enriches our world. Great many thanks and a deep bow before you, our modern Masters!
February 19, 2010
This was a strong collection of stories, though one definitely aimed at a young adult audience. The introductions to the collection (and to each of the authors) could have used some help, as they might as well have simply been a listed bibliography, but the authors selected ranged pretty widely across the SF and Fantasy map and very few of the selections were true clunkers.
For me, the highlights were two stories by authors I had never read before: "The Ruby Incomparable," by Kage Baker, was a funny, wise little gem of a story, a perfect example of what fantasy short stories should be: just a glimpse, though a fantastic setting, of a truth about human nature. On the strength of this story I will be picking up some of her novels. "Barrens Dance," by Peter S. Beagle (who I have always intended to read but have never gotten around to) was a beautiful, melancholy love story on multiple levels and will probably stay with me some time.
Some of my favorite authors' selections were a little disappointing to me: Patricia McKillip (who is always worthwhile simply for the quality of her prose) is not as strong at the short story length as she is at novel length, and that showed in her story, though from another author I might have been impressed with her coming-of-age tale; and Orson Scott Card's novella which closed the volume had me involved and invested until the end, when he rushed through a climax that was MUCH too large for the story's length. The novella apparently is set in the world of his next novel, and I expect the novel will be much more satisfying.
"The Witch's Headstone" by Neil Gaiman, was intriguing enough that I am moderately interested in the YA novel set in the same world (The Graveyard Book); "Winter's Wife" by Elizabeth Hand had some haunting moments, "The Stranger's Hands" by Tad Williams would have been impressively thought-provoking if he didn't spell out the issue he was trying to convey (but it is a YA collection, so maybe that is allowable); "The Manticore Spell" was sweet but forgettable; I was thoroughly enjoying "The Magikkers" by Terry Dowling until I finished it, when it immediately prompted a "but why?".
Two stories were resonant in a way unusual for this collection: both "A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil's Ninth Question" by Andy Duncan and "The Magic Animal" by Gene Wolfe were clearly stories about something important, and I spent some time pondering them, but they left me kind of cold and just a little confused as to what, exactly, their message was.
But there were surprisingly few stories I really disliked. "Holly and Iron" by Garth Nix was simply too large a story for novella-length, and I spent the entire time being annoyed at its heroine; "A Fowl Tale" by Eoin Colfer seemed a total waste of space -- it wasn't funny, as it was meant to be, and absolutely nothing happened in it; "Zinder" by Tanith Lee was an ugly tale with absolutely no plot or conflict to resolve, it was just a picture of ugliness. But that's only 1/9 of the stories (53 out of 400 pages) so on the whole, I can recommend this collection to any fan of magic-oriented fantasy.
For me, the highlights were two stories by authors I had never read before: "The Ruby Incomparable," by Kage Baker, was a funny, wise little gem of a story, a perfect example of what fantasy short stories should be: just a glimpse, though a fantastic setting, of a truth about human nature. On the strength of this story I will be picking up some of her novels. "Barrens Dance," by Peter S. Beagle (who I have always intended to read but have never gotten around to) was a beautiful, melancholy love story on multiple levels and will probably stay with me some time.
Some of my favorite authors' selections were a little disappointing to me: Patricia McKillip (who is always worthwhile simply for the quality of her prose) is not as strong at the short story length as she is at novel length, and that showed in her story, though from another author I might have been impressed with her coming-of-age tale; and Orson Scott Card's novella which closed the volume had me involved and invested until the end, when he rushed through a climax that was MUCH too large for the story's length. The novella apparently is set in the world of his next novel, and I expect the novel will be much more satisfying.
"The Witch's Headstone" by Neil Gaiman, was intriguing enough that I am moderately interested in the YA novel set in the same world (The Graveyard Book); "Winter's Wife" by Elizabeth Hand had some haunting moments, "The Stranger's Hands" by Tad Williams would have been impressively thought-provoking if he didn't spell out the issue he was trying to convey (but it is a YA collection, so maybe that is allowable); "The Manticore Spell" was sweet but forgettable; I was thoroughly enjoying "The Magikkers" by Terry Dowling until I finished it, when it immediately prompted a "but why?".
Two stories were resonant in a way unusual for this collection: both "A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil's Ninth Question" by Andy Duncan and "The Magic Animal" by Gene Wolfe were clearly stories about something important, and I spent some time pondering them, but they left me kind of cold and just a little confused as to what, exactly, their message was.
But there were surprisingly few stories I really disliked. "Holly and Iron" by Garth Nix was simply too large a story for novella-length, and I spent the entire time being annoyed at its heroine; "A Fowl Tale" by Eoin Colfer seemed a total waste of space -- it wasn't funny, as it was meant to be, and absolutely nothing happened in it; "Zinder" by Tanith Lee was an ugly tale with absolutely no plot or conflict to resolve, it was just a picture of ugliness. But that's only 1/9 of the stories (53 out of 400 pages) so on the whole, I can recommend this collection to any fan of magic-oriented fantasy.
August 3, 2007
Neil Gaiman's "The Witch's Headstone" is a weird little tale of a boy living in a graveyard, surrounded by ghosts--they are also his teachers and only friends. Garth Nix's "Holly and Iron" is a novel take on the Norman conquest and the Robin Hood legend. "The Ruby Incomparable" is another wonderful tale by Kage Baker, and shares many characters with The Anvil of the World. Jane Yolen's "slipping Sideways Through Eternity" actually plagirizes *herself*, which takes doing (it's a terrible, pat, short-story version of The Devil's Arithmatic). Terry Dowling's "The Magikkers" tells the story of a school for magic--but unlike other magic schools, each student can only perform one piece of true magic. Will they keep it for themselves? Or "share" it with the headmaster? Creepily enough, the latter choice is the one the author favors. Orson Scott Card's "Stonefather" might have been a good story (I liked the world building) except that once again, it's the tale of a young, righteous man who upholds truth, justice and his own personal religion against the thoughtless cruelties of his fellows. In the end, of course the mocking, high-spirited girl says "I'm only a weak-skinned girl" before aquiesscing to be his nurturing mother/wife figure. Yay!
January 1, 2016
This is mostly a pretty bad anthology. There are a lot of good authors, a lot of them very good at novel-length, and I liked the idea (there's something about the traditional wizard and variations on it that resonates with me when I think about it abstractly, I don't know--like it's almost never something I enjoy in real stories but in principle I feel like I like the idea), but hardly any of the stories were any good. My favorite in the collection--the Manticore Spell by Jeffrey Ford, which is sort of a masterpiece of fantasy and lyrical surrealism--I'd already been through in another collection, but I liked the stories by Andy Duncan and Peter Beagle even if I didn't love them. There was a decent story from Tad Williams, and one from Elizabeth Hand that came from a collection I'd read... where I skipped it originally. (That one started excellent but finished flat for me.) The story from Gene Wolfe--probably my favorite author, though I tend not to like his short fiction--was one of his worst, which was pretty disappointing. I read a few others but thought they were completely awful. So yeah: I really liked the idea of this anthology but it wasn't so good. I can live with that but I wouldn't suggest it to anyone.
February 17, 2011
I picked this up mostly for the Kage Baker story, "The Ruby Incomparable." Unfortunately, it was somewhat disappointing. Svnae was such a promising character in . I know this was a juvenile anthology, but in this story, Svnae hardly got any of the anguish and torment that she did in Anvil of the World. Admittedly, that was as novel as opposed to a ~20 (book-sized) page short story, but she only really shows up in the last ~125 pages, and as a supporting character isn't visible the whole time. There was inadequate character development, I guess is what I'm saying, and also I guess I was expecting "What Happened to Svnae after Anvil." (Maybe the sequel to Anvil will have Svnae. It'd better. [It didn't, darn it. Well, not in any really meaningful capacity.] Side note about anguish and torment: I have a theory that anguish and torment are how character development happen. And sometimes it's how plot advancement happens! IMO it's best if the anguish and torment is as a result of the character's own decisions/mistakes. Can you tell I'm a Bujold fan?)
June 16, 2011
Meski telah dikemas dalam format besar (15,5 x 24 cm), buku ini masih lebih tebal dari rata-rata ukuran novel atau kumpulan cerita. Dengan mengusung nama-nama besar sepert Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix dan Eoin Colfer dan mengedepankan 18 tema magis, low fantasy dan high fantasy, sihir dan peri. Sebuah fiesta kisah dongeng yang cukup mengesankan.
Yang menjadi favoritku, tentu saja Batu Nisan Sang Penyihir dari Gaiman. Kisah Nobody Owens ini menjadi cikal bakal novel The Graveyard Story. Selain itu masih ada Besi dan Holly dari Garth Nix, yang mencampurkan ranah sejarah Inggris dengan remah-remah fantasi pagan. Eoin Colfer menyumbangkan Kisah Unggas (Fowl Story) yang sedikit mengecewakan (dan gak ada hubungannya dengan Artemis Fowl!). Kejutan menyenangkan datang dari Orson Scott Card dengan Stonefather -karyanya yang lain belum pernah saya baca sebelumnya- yang sangat apik bertutur. Ada pula Elizabeth Hand menulis kisah Istri Winter yang endingnya sedikit membuat bulu kuduk merinding.
Secara keseluruhan, ini merupakan buku yang menyenangkan. Ditambah dengan translasi bahasa yang enak dibaca (thx to Mbak Poppy, two thumbs up), 570 halaman terasa berlalu dengan cepat.
Yang menjadi favoritku, tentu saja Batu Nisan Sang Penyihir dari Gaiman. Kisah Nobody Owens ini menjadi cikal bakal novel The Graveyard Story. Selain itu masih ada Besi dan Holly dari Garth Nix, yang mencampurkan ranah sejarah Inggris dengan remah-remah fantasi pagan. Eoin Colfer menyumbangkan Kisah Unggas (Fowl Story) yang sedikit mengecewakan (dan gak ada hubungannya dengan Artemis Fowl!). Kejutan menyenangkan datang dari Orson Scott Card dengan Stonefather -karyanya yang lain belum pernah saya baca sebelumnya- yang sangat apik bertutur. Ada pula Elizabeth Hand menulis kisah Istri Winter yang endingnya sedikit membuat bulu kuduk merinding.
Secara keseluruhan, ini merupakan buku yang menyenangkan. Ditambah dengan translasi bahasa yang enak dibaca (thx to Mbak Poppy, two thumbs up), 570 halaman terasa berlalu dengan cepat.
Read
July 28, 2011These two gentlemen have comiled a colletion of short stories about wizards and and other people who do magic. They have collected at the time it was writen nver before published writing samples fro the likes o Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix, Jane Yolen ,Eoin Colfer and others. The stories are very enterntaining and enjoyable to read.
Stories have such plots as a boy who is raised in a graveyard does a favor for a witch. While out of the graveyard he gets in trouble and the dead witch helps him out. In Holly and Iron two sisters who are related to the Normans and British kings rebel against Norman rule of Britain. One sister dies in battle and the other goes seraching for vengeance. The ending is quite a surprise. SOme of the stores take place in a fantasy world while others occur in different versions of Historical reality. Some stories take place in modern times.
A good idea for this book is to take note of the authors you like best and explore their work further,
Stories have such plots as a boy who is raised in a graveyard does a favor for a witch. While out of the graveyard he gets in trouble and the dead witch helps him out. In Holly and Iron two sisters who are related to the Normans and British kings rebel against Norman rule of Britain. One sister dies in battle and the other goes seraching for vengeance. The ending is quite a surprise. SOme of the stores take place in a fantasy world while others occur in different versions of Historical reality. Some stories take place in modern times.
A good idea for this book is to take note of the authors you like best and explore their work further,
July 23, 2012
Aku benar-benar kagum dengan imajinasi para penulis di dalam buku ini. Cerita tentang penyihir yang sudah sangat sering kita baca, dengar, atau tonton, bisa mereka ceritakan kembali dengan ide yang tak terpikirkan sebelumnya, unik dan menggugah rasa ingin tahu.
Cerita-cerita favoritku:
Pnglihatan Berwarna - Mary Rosenblum
Permata Tak Terbandingkan - Kage Barker
Kisah Unggas - Eoin Colfer
Zinder - Tanith Lee
Stonefather juga bagus, sayangnya aku capek membaca bagaimana orang-orang selalu mengatakan kalau Runner itu sombong, berwajah sombong, berlagak sombong, dsb. Terlalu berulang-ulang, dan menurutku seharusnya bisa dikurangi sedikit.
Dari buku ini aku juga belajar kalau yang terpenting adalah gaya penulisan dan penyampaian cerita. Karena sebagus apa pun idemu, kalau pembaca tidak bisa mengerti apa sebenarnya yang kamu ceritakan, ide yang luar biasa itu akan sia-sia saja.
Cerita-cerita favoritku:
Pnglihatan Berwarna - Mary Rosenblum
Permata Tak Terbandingkan - Kage Barker
Kisah Unggas - Eoin Colfer
Zinder - Tanith Lee
Stonefather juga bagus, sayangnya aku capek membaca bagaimana orang-orang selalu mengatakan kalau Runner itu sombong, berwajah sombong, berlagak sombong, dsb. Terlalu berulang-ulang, dan menurutku seharusnya bisa dikurangi sedikit.
Dari buku ini aku juga belajar kalau yang terpenting adalah gaya penulisan dan penyampaian cerita. Karena sebagus apa pun idemu, kalau pembaca tidak bisa mengerti apa sebenarnya yang kamu ceritakan, ide yang luar biasa itu akan sia-sia saja.
July 19, 2016
★★★★� The Witch’s Headstone by Neil Gaiman
★★★★� Holly and Iron by Garth Nix
★★★☆� Color Vision by Mary Rosenblum
★★★★� The Ruby Incomparable by Kage Baker
★★★☆� A Fowl Tale by Eoin Colfer
★★★★� Slipping Sideways Through Eternity by Jane Yolen
★★★★� The Stranger’s Hands by Tad Williams
★★★☆� Naming Day by Patricia A. Mckillip
★★★★� Winter’s Wife by Elizabeth Hand
★★★★� A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil’s Ninth Question by Andy Duncan
★★★★� Barrens Dance by Peter S. Beagle
★★★★� Stone Man by Nancy Kress
★★★★� The Manticore Spell by Jeffrey Ford
★★★★� Zinder by Tanith Lee
★★★☆� Billy and the Wizard by Terry Bisson
★★★★� The Magikkers by Terry Dowling
★★★★� The Magic Animal by Gene Wolfe
★★★★� Stonefather by Orson Scott Card
★★★★� Holly and Iron by Garth Nix
★★★☆� Color Vision by Mary Rosenblum
★★★★� The Ruby Incomparable by Kage Baker
★★★☆� A Fowl Tale by Eoin Colfer
★★★★� Slipping Sideways Through Eternity by Jane Yolen
★★★★� The Stranger’s Hands by Tad Williams
★★★☆� Naming Day by Patricia A. Mckillip
★★★★� Winter’s Wife by Elizabeth Hand
★★★★� A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or The Devil’s Ninth Question by Andy Duncan
★★★★� Barrens Dance by Peter S. Beagle
★★★★� Stone Man by Nancy Kress
★★★★� The Manticore Spell by Jeffrey Ford
★★★★� Zinder by Tanith Lee
★★★☆� Billy and the Wizard by Terry Bisson
★★★★� The Magikkers by Terry Dowling
★★★★� The Magic Animal by Gene Wolfe
★★★★� Stonefather by Orson Scott Card
November 11, 2013
I put this off for a while, as anthologies can be hit-or-miss for me but I ended up liking half of the stories, some of them a lot - which is reasonably rare.
The thing I didn't like about it is that it's one of those anthologies that lists the authors achievements before the story. To me it feels like trying to prove the author's credentials somehow, I prefer to have the story stand by itself and have the author biographies afterwards, or all collected together at the end.
The thing I didn't like about it is that it's one of those anthologies that lists the authors achievements before the story. To me it feels like trying to prove the author's credentials somehow, I prefer to have the story stand by itself and have the author biographies afterwards, or all collected together at the end.
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